The 6 Madeira Speedboat Tours That Earn Their Fare

1.Whale and Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 526 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $56 a head Our pick

From Ventura Nature Emotions at Funchal Marina, you’ll spend 2.5 hours on a small speed boat with an experienced skipper and marine biologist guide. Lookouts on land help locate whales and dolphins, while the boat gets you there quickly. Expect close-to-water views, useful species identification, and possible splashes.

“Great fun activity. Very well organised. The speed boat was excellent and being amongst the whales was incredible”

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2.From Calheta: Whale and Dolphin Watching RIB Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 298 reviews · 2 hours · from $70 a head

Set out from Calheta Marina on a fast RIB boat for two hours of whale and dolphin watching. An experienced guide and spotter help locate marine life, explain the species, and share views of Madeira from the sea. Bring a windbreaker, water, sunscreen, and camera. The trip is not suited to pregnant guests or people with back, heart, or mobility problems.

“What a fantastic trip! The boat trip itself was exciting - fast, exhilarating and a little scary (but safe)! We were so lucky with the wildlife we saw - pilot whales right next to the boat and dolphins riding the waves, leaping high out of the water and really showing off! You never know what you'll get with wildlife experiences, but we were really lucky.”

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3.RIB Whale Watching Cruise and Optional Dolphin Swim

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 273 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $61 a head

Join Anna, Paulo, Mark, or Ana aboard a fast RIB from Funchal for 2.5 hours of dolphin and whale watching. Small groups keep you close to the water, while land-based spotters help locate wildlife. Add a dolphin swim for €20 if conditions and animal behavior allow, then return past Madeira’s coast and Cabo Girão.

“The trip was very successful because we did see some baby whales and some dolphins. It was helped by the fact that spotters are used to pinpoint locations as well as being on a fast boat. As you are close to the water, visibility of these beautiful animals is easier to observe. We all loved it, even my teenage son!! The ride back was incredibly bumpy, but quick and as we hugged the coast on the way back, you get a beautiful view of the south coast and caves. Definitely recommend this trip, particularly for anyone suffering from sea sickness because you do not get usual sea motion sickness on…”

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4.Speedboat SEE THE ISLAND AND LIFE AT SEA

★★★★★★★★★★3.4 · 31 reviews · from $41 a head Best value

You’ll leave from Funchal Marina with a crew of up to 10 people for a 2.5-hour coastal ride. Expect cliff and terrace views, marine-life spotting, a possible swim stop, and commentary in English or Portuguese. Bring your own towel, swimwear, sun protection, and comfortable clothes. Snorkeling gear is not included.

“It was wonderful to watch the dolphins and whales. The guide was nice and funny. One point deducted because we couldn't easily find the meeting point.”

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5.Speedboat tour- SEE THE ISLAND AND LIFE AT SEA

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · from $46 a head

Join a crew of up to 10 people at Funchal Marina for a fast coastal trip past cliffs, terraces, coves, and open sea. You’ll hear about Madeira’s marine life and geography, look for dolphins and whales, then stop for a swim with snorkeling gear provided. Water, candy, and life jackets are included.

“This trip was great. The trip was well organised and the crew were very friendly and very informative about the local area. We had the best time on the boat. We had a lovely swimming spot where we could dive from the speed boat. We were given refreshments which was a lovely touch. Would certainly would attend the trip again if we were visiting.”

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6.Coastal sightseeing tour by RIB boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2 reviews · 2 hours · from $57 a head Top rated

Join Mark and Anna’s crew for a fast, small-group RIB ride from Funchal toward Cabo Girão and Câmara de Lobos. You’ll see Madeira from the Atlantic, pause for swimming or snorkeling, and return after about two hours. Bring a windbreaker, since the sea can turn breezy even on a warm day.

“Awsome to see the island from the water and have a chance to dive in. Friendly captain. Absolultely worth it!”

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